About Medicare
The federal Medicare program is an essential pillar of the state’s health care system, supporting more than 6 million Californians over the age of 65 and younger Californians with disabilities. One in five hospitals is at risk of closing, in part because Medicare reimbursement rates are far lower than the cost of providing care. It’s essential that future federal Medicare policy protects patient care.
5 Things To Know: CMS Updates Hospital Surveyor Guidance to Address Discharge Planning, Notification Requirements, and More
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised Appendix A of the State Operations Manual to reflect new guidelines related to Medicare Conditions of Participation regulations finalized in 2019 and 2020, including discharge planning requirements; notifications for patients receiving observation services; and admit, discharge, transfer notification requirements for psychiatric hospitals.